Former GOP chairman to lead Ben Carson's campaign in Minnesota

Ron Carey, the former chairman of the Republican Party of Minnesota has been hired by Ben Carson's presidential campaign to lead the campaign's organization in Minnesota.

"There is opportunism that Minnesota can be a very strong state for Ben Carson," said Carey, who added Carson's has received an "outpouring of supporting, more so than I've ever seen for a candidate."

Carey has an extensive political resume, which includes serving as the chairman of the Republican Party from 2005 to 2009. Carey said he expected Carson to visit Minnesota before next year's precinct caucuses on March 1, 2016.

Minnesota regulators reaffirmed their support Monday for Enbridge Energy's proposal to replace its aging Line 3 crude oil pipeline across northern Minnesota, while dozens of protesters walked out of the overflow hearing to make a point about climate change.